Bundrage, Spinks And Co Ready To Rumble In Fantasy Springs

Five of the six boxers who will compete on a special world championship edition of ShoBox: The New Generation this Saturday, June 30, from the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. participated in an open workout Wednesday at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino Special Events Center.

In Saturday’s main event, IBF light Middleweight Champion Cornelius Bundrage (31-4, 18 KO’s), of Detroit, Mich., will defend his title against former Undisputed Welterweight World Champion and current IBF No. 1 rated junior middleweight contender, Cory Spinks (39-6, 11 KO’s), of St. Louis, Mo.

The co-feature will match 2011 Prospect of the Year, unbeaten Gary Russell Jr. (19-0, 11 KO’s), of Capitol Heights, Md., against Christopher Perez (23-2, 14 KO’s), of Culiacan, Mexico, in a 10-round featherweight bout.

The tripleheader will begin with a 10-round junior middleweight match between former international amateur standout and top rated 154-pound contender Erislandy Lara (16-1-1, 11 KO’s), of Houston, Texas, by way of Guantanamo, Cuba, against former world title challenger Freddy Hernandez (30-2, 20 KO’s), of Lynwood, Calif., by way of Mexico City.

Below is what the boxers had to say on Wednesday:

CORNELIUS “K9’’ BUNDRAGE

“I’m telling people to tune in. I’ve been promoting this fight, so I’m quite sure a lot of people will be watching. I think it’s going to be a great performance. I’m going to go out there and give it my all.

“I didn’t expect I would fight Cory Spinks like that the first time. I expect to fight him differently this time, but I might just go out there and bulldog him again.

“Cory Spinks is not the champ anymore. I’m the champ now.

“I’m more experienced now. In my last fight I defended my belt against the guy I lost my first fight to (Sechew Powell) and went 12 rounds.”

CORY SPINKS

“Spinks is Spinks again. Spinks wasn’t Spinks the last time we fought. The first time, I didn’t train properly. I was sick. I had no mechanics. I don’t care who you are, if you aren’t right mentally and physically, you’re not going to be able to do anything.

“I want to fight for titles. It doesn’t matter who it is. K-9 is still there on top, so he’s got to get it.

“Fans are going to see the total package on Saturday. I’m ready. I’ve been blessed with a gift. I didn’t have to learn how to box. I always could and I could fight anyway I wanted. I can sit down with you, I can box with you. I will do anything I have to [in order] to win this fight.”

GARY RUSSELL JR.

“There has definitely been more growth.  I’m always learning.  I’m more mature mentally and physically.

“I think it’s good to fight someone with confidence.  I don’t want to compete against someone who thinks he’s going to lose.  I want to fight against a guy who thinks he can win.

“He’s used to guys pressing the action, so I’m not going to press the action.  I’ll use my power and speed.

“I’m a versatile fighter.  I’m definitely not one-dimensional.

“I’m always anxious to get in the ring.  I love the ring.  I’m always in the gym…always ready and in shape.”

CHRISTOPHER PEREZ

“No doubt there have been a lot of upsets in boxing over the last few months.  I’m hoping that I can be the next.

“On Saturday night, boxing fans will know who I am.  I know Russell has fast hands, but I have my game plan to be victorious.’’

ERISLANDY LARA

“If I go out there and do what I did to Ronald Hearns (KO 1), no one is going to want to fight me.

“Freddy Hernandez is a very good fighter.  I’m prepared for anything he’s going to bring, but he needs to be worried about what I plan to bring.

“I’m not frustrated that fighters avoid me.  I just have to keep working hard and taking care of the fighters my promoter puts in front of me.  The big fights will come sooner or later.  These guys can run but they can’t hide.” 

June 28, 2012